ARISE Exclusive: Xuly.Bët Collection

Malian designer XULY. Bët’s collection could be described as “grunge with African influences.” Marc Jacobs is known for influencing the grunge movement in fashion and .Bët will be know for bringing it to Africa. From tight leather dresses to smart fitted pant suits and flurry jackets, .Bët’s collection was edgy, sharp and poignant. What was most interesting about the show however, was the strategic choice of diversity in models they were all from different countries of different ethnicities and even sizes. Bët was deliberate in his choice of curvy Jamaican model Stacey. My favorite part was his the new take on Ghana Must Go bags. While .Bët’s fashion celebrity packed presentation with Liya Kebede, Oluchi, Nnenna, Alek Wek, Tyson Beckford and Grace Jones was exciting to the audience; it may have slightly taken away focus from the craft behind his designs. The show ended with Obama print long t-shirt dresses to symbolize the beginning of a new African era. In addition to pictures below, watch the first half of the show.

Superchic

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Xuly Bet throws away the idea of "boring black suit."(Liya Kebede in black velvet)

Honey

Love the Plaid "Ghana Must Go" Clutch (Oluchi)

Red

Malian model Nnanna in a red suit with a gold detailed brooch

Full Moon

Reflector

Nigerian model Nnenna in black leather pant suit with red detaiing, oversized newsboy cap, ankara scarf and red ankara clutch

And this is when the audience began to go crazy…..

Alek Wek and Tyson Beckford

Oluchi in Obama printed shirt dress

The collection ends amazingly with Supermodel legend Grace Jones

Grace